Analysis of Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases

OBJECTIVE: Paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were investigated for Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific oligoclonal bands (OCBs) to determine band specificity in multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum and CSF samples were collected from patients with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 56), other inflammatory (n = 18) or non-inflammatory (n = 15) neurologic diseases, and from 10 healthy controls. OCBs were determined with affinity immunoblotting of C. pneumoniae-specific IgG onto antigen-coated nitrocellulose paper after protein separation with agarose isoelectric focusing. RESULTS: Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific OCBs were present in 5 of 56 patients with MS, and in 3 of 18 patients with other inflammatory neurologic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The intrathecal production of C. pneumoniae-specific oligoclonal IgG occurs in a minority of patients with MS. This intrathecal anti-C. pneumoniae reactivity is likely part of a polyspecific humoral immune response in MS.